5, Sep 2023
ICICI Bank opens a new branch in Balangir

Balangir: ICICI Bank has set up a branch at Chandrasekhar Nagar in Balangir district, Odisha. This is the fourth branch of the Bank in the district. The branch has an ATM-cum-Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) to offer cash deposit and withdrawal services to the customers round the clock.

Shri Chanchal Rana, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Balangir inaugurated the branch.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts, including savings and current accounts, trade and forex services, fixed and recurring deposits, loans- business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan, and gold loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. Door-step banking services for senior citizens, differently abled, and visually impaired individuals are also available. It operates from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm on Monday to Friday and on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The Bank has a network of about 180 branches and 350 ATMs in Odisha.

5, Sep 2023
UPES Runway Incubator Signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With IIT Ropar’s iHUB – AWaDH

New Delhi/Dehradun, September 05, 2023: UPES Runway Incubator has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with iHUB – AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub), IIT Ropar. This milestone represents a significant stride in their shared journey of advancing cutting-edge research and fostering entrepreneurship. This strategic partnership unites the two institutions, both driven by a mutual vision of advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and enhancing the startup ecosystem.

The MoU covers various key aspects that reflect the collective dedication toward driving positive transformation within academic and entrepreneurial domains. AWaDH is a first-of-its-kind innovation hub established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to support R&D in the domains of Agriculture, Water, IoT, and ICPS (Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems).

The collaboration will shape the future of emerging entrepreneurial ideas and ventures. It will play a pivotal role in extending financial support in the form of grants and investments, reflecting its firm dedication to nurturing and amplifying innovative initiatives. Additionally, this partnership will also support the establishment of a state-of-the-art Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) lab at UPES, backed by AWaDH. The lab will serve as a hub for fostering CPS skills among UPES and external institutions students, researchers, and startups and will also drive research and innovation in the Uttarakhand region. Moreover, the startups will also be able to leverage the lab’s resources to further its technologies.

Mr. Rahul Nainwal, CEO, Runway Incubator, said, “We aim to inspire a culture of collaborative research, drive technological innovation, and provide a nurturing environment for both students and startups. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we eagerly look forward to spurring accelerated innovation in key areas and fostering a dynamic ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, we strive to connect the domains of knowledge and application, charting a path towards a successful future.”

Mr. Mukesh Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer, iHub – AWaDH, IIT Ropar said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with UPES Runway Incubator. Harnessing the power of our combined synergies, we are determined to provide unparalleled support to students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, empowering them to bring their revolutionary ideas to life. This is a strong step towards building a community that thrives on innovation, creativity, and a shared vision for a brighter and better future.”

Runway is an incubation initiative by the UPES Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCIE). UCIE has been recognised by the Government of Uttarakhand as a business incubator and is also a member of the University Business Incubator (UBI) Global platform. Recently, Runway Incubator also concluded its annual ‘Take Off’ Startup Challenge. The contest witnessed participation from over 400 aspiring entrepreneurs from various fields like Social Impact, Healthcare and Biotech, D2C, Fintech, Manufacturing / Robotics / AI / ML, Fashion and Lifestyle, Energy and Sustainability and Ed-tech.

iHUB – AWadh spearheads flagship initiatives like SPRINT (Strategic Program for Research Innovation and Next-Gen Tech-Commercialisation) and SAMRIDHI (Strategic Acceleration for Market, Research, Innovation & Development: A Holistic Initiative for ICPS Startups). Both initiatives focus on stimulating research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in our country through tailored guidance, skill enhancement, networking opportunities and funding support.

5, Sep 2023
Rahul Shivshankar to join Network18 as Consulting Editor

Rahul Shivshankar to join Network18 as Consulting Editor

New Delhi | 5 September 2023: Noted TV news editor and anchor Rahul Shivshankar is all set to join Network18 Group as a Consulting Editor.

He will join the stellar line-up of TV news anchors, editors and writers at India’s largest news network.

Commenting on his new role, Shivshankar said, “I am very excited to be associated with Network18, which has evolved into the country’s most influential news network on the back of its unflinching commitment to reporting the facts that speak truth to the people.”

“It is a privilege to add to the plethora of sober reflections, critical news analysis, and balanced voices that are already platformed on the network by some of the news industry’s leading lights,” he added.

Shivshankar will contribute across platforms at the network.

The group presently runs India’s top TV news brands such as CNN-News18, News18 India, CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz and News18 regional channels. The network is also home to some of India’s top digital news brands such as Moneycontrol, Firstpost, News18.com, among others.

Welcoming Rahul Shivshankar to the group, Puneet Singhvi, CEO (Digital) & President-Corporate Strategy, Network18 said, “Rahul is a distinctive journalist and editor with an unparalleled audience connect. He has been the face of prime time TV journalism and a leading newspaper columnist for almost two decades. His work will add a fresh dimension to our coverage of big events, both on TV and digital.”

A news industry veteran with nearly three decades of experience in print and television journalism, Shivshankar began his career as a reporter with Times of India, where he broke a large number of stories and started writing for the edit page as one of the youngest leader writers at the paper.

Later, he became part of the core team that launched Times Now and continued to rise through the ranks.

As Editor-In-Chief of Times Now, he played a pivotal role in catapulting the channel to its next phase. He has interviewed many important newsmakers including Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Boris Johnson, Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton, Mike Pompeo, Anthony Fauci and many others.

Shivshankar has received critical acclaim for his coverage of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror attacks. He was invited to contribute to an anthology of investigative narratives about the attacks published by Roli Books. He has also authored a soon-to-be released book on the 2024 Elections, commissioned by Penguin Random House.

5, Sep 2023
Karcher’s Remarkable Presence at PharmaTech Expo – India’s Preeminent Pharmaceutical Technology Event

Karcher's Remarkable Presence at PharmaTech Expo - India's Preeminent Pharmaceutical Technology Event

Delhi, 5th September 2023 –Kärcher Cleaning Systems Pvt Limited, a global leader in cleaning technology, has recently taken a momentous stride by actively participating in the prestigious PharmaTech Expo, held from 25th to 27th August 2023. This event, renowned as one of India’s largest pharmaceutical exhibitions, attracted thousands of industry experts and enthusiasts, serving as a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and business opportunities.

PharmaTech Expo is celebrated for bringing together professionals from the pharmaceutical and lab industries on a grand scale. With participants hailing from various corners of the globe, it stands as one of the premier B2B trade shows, fostering collaboration and showcasing cutting-edge technologies in the pharmaceutical and healthcare machinery sectors.

Kärcher, a brand renowned for its cutting-edge cleaning solutions, exhibited a range of products that garnered significant attention from PharmaTech Expo attendees. Notable highlights from their showcase included:

• DUCT CLEANING MACHINE – HD10/25-4S: It features an integrated electronics system for machine monitoring, ensuring automatic switch-off in case of voltage fluctuations, leaks, or phase failure. Large rubber wheels make it easy to navigate uneven surfaces, stairs, and landings, while the sack truck principle ensures ergonomic transport.

• HIGH-PRESSURE WASHER HD 10/15-4 Cage Food: This is an ideal cleaning solution, designed in a cage version that aligns seamlessly with stringent hygiene standards. This high-performance washer features an advanced pressure pump capable of handling inlet temperatures of up to 85°C, ensuring particularly effective and thorough cleaning.

• HIGH-PRESSURE WASHER HDS-E 8/16-4 M 24 kW: Experience time and energy savings with the EASY! Force high-pressure gun and EASY! Lock quick-release fasteners. The EASY! Force high-pressure gun provides fatigue-free work, while the EASY! Lock couplings are not only durable and robust but also five times faster than traditional screws. With the HDS-E 8/16-4 M 24 kW, embrace efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and top-tier performance in one cutting-edge package.

• HIGH-PRESSURE WASHER HD 10/16-4 Cage Ex/ Flame Proof HD 10/16 Ex: Safety is paramount in pharmaceutical production facilities, and this washer meets the highest standards. Equipped with a high-performance crankshaft pump, it delivers optimal pressure, making it a reliable and durable solution for the pharmaceutical industry. Its explosion-proof equipment makes it a crucial addition to maintaining safety in potentially hazardous environments.

In attendance as the spokesperson for Kärcher was Mr. Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director at Kärcher Cleaning Systems Pvt Limited. His insights into the innovative cleaning solutions provided by Kärcher were invaluable to visitors seeking to elevate their hygiene and maintenance standards.

“Mechanized cleaning solutions are the cornerstone of excellence in the pharmaceutical industry. We enable the seamless fusion of impeccable quality and unmatched efficiency. Our vacuuming and dust extraction solutions, tailored for all industrial scales, ensure that every product meets stringent hygiene standards, while production processes run at their peak.” –Mr.Jatinder Kaul

The response from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, with numerous attendees expressing keen interest in Kärcher’s product offerings. The benefits of Kärcher’s solutions, including enhanced efficiency, improved hygiene, and safety, resonated strongly with pharmaceutical and lab professionals in attendance. Many visitors recognized the potential cost savings and quality improvements that Kärcher’s products could bring to their operations.

The event provided an excellent platform for Kärcher to interact with industry experts, establish and enhance business relationships, and explore new opportunities for growth within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.

5, Sep 2023
Omaxe Group Marks 36 Years of Excellence with Nayi Udaan Foundation Day

Omaxe Group Marks 36 Years of Excellence with Nayi Udaan Foundation Day

Omaxe Group celebrated its 36th Foundation Day, a remarkable occasion that marks three and a half decades of achievements, growth, and glory. The aptly themed ‘Nayi Udaan’ (New Horizons) event took place on September 4th, 2023, at Omaxe House, Kalkaji, New Delhi. Celebrated with a hawan ceremony, the day marked the foundation of the Group as well as the birthday of Mr. Rohtas Goel, Chairman, Omaxe Group.

Omaxe Group has played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian real estate landscape over the past few years. From pioneering innovative projects to setting new standards of excellence, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of excellence and innovation. The Foundation Day celebration was a testament to Omaxe’s commitment to building a brighter future for India.

Mr. Mohit Goel, Managing Director, Omaxe Group, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our journey of 36 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of our success. ‘Nayi Udaan’ is a celebration of the milestones we’ve achieved and a pledge to soar even higher in the years to come. We are grateful to all our team members who have been a constant support in our journey over the years.”

Mr. Jatin Goel, Executive Director of Omaxe Group said, “Our father has worked hard for so many years to bring Omaxe Group to this position. I want to assure him that we won’t leave any stone unturned to take this legacy forward so that he can sit back and enjoy his life. We’ll dedicate ourselves towards taking our Group to greater heights along with our team’s support. I also want to thank and appreciate all Omaxians for their dedication and hard work as without them this journey would not have been this remarkable.”

The Foundation Day event included a series of festivities, including a special address by Mr. Rohtas Goel, a retrospective look at Omaxe’s journey, and a glimpse into the exciting projects the company has in store for the future. Omaxe Group invited its employees to join in the celebration and be a part of this historic moment as they embark on a new phase of growth and innovation.

5, Sep 2023
JSW One Homes launches a new Homes Studio in Salem

JSW One Homes launches a new Homes Studio in Salem

SALEM – 5th September, 2023: JSW One Homes, the tech-enabled home construction solutions arm of JSW One Platforms and part of US$ 23 billion JSW Group has launched its third studio in Tamil Nadu. The new Homes Studio has been established in Swarnapuri, Salem, expanding its footprint in the state following the success of its business in Coimbatore and Chennai.

Tamil Nadu’s residential real estate market is a mixed bag of apartments and independent houses. However, there has been a shift in the home- buying behavior with growing demand for independent homes, especially in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. This provides JSW One Homes an opportunity to capitalize on the consumer demand.

Commenting on its new Homes Studio in Salem, Mr. Gaurav Sachdeva, CEO of JSW One Platforms said, “Salem is an important market for JSW One Homes considering the strong demand it has for independent homes. The launch of our Homes Studio strengthens our retail presence in Tamil Nadu. It allows for a deeper market penetration and focuses on the aspirational need of our customers to build their dream home.”

The newly launched 1200 square feet Homes studio in Salem serves its customers as a one-stop destination for all their home construction requirements to build their own house. The studio is divided in four parts “Educate, Evaluate, Curate, Recommend” to address every need of customers across various stages of decision making. The studio’s unique Educate section showcases a deconstructed home through multiple installations that helps customers visualise their dream home. JSW One Homes offers complete transparency in the home construction process with live project tracking while ensuring quality construction materials and on-time delivery. This makes JSW One Home Studio an ideal place to turn the dream of a home into reality.

5, Sep 2023
India Pastry Cup 2023 Selects APCA Team as India’s Finest Pastry Talent for the Asian Pastry Cup 2024

India Pastry Cup 2023 Selects APCA Team as India's Finest Pastry Talent for the Asian Pastry Cup 2024

India: The India Pastry Cup is carried out to select the best candidates from the country that will represent India at an international platform at the Asian Pastry Cup which is also pre-selection for the World Pastry Cup or coupe du monde

The team that gets selected will represent India in the competition at the Asian Pastry Cup which will happen in April 2024. This year’s edition has two teams that are participating, one team is from JW Marriott hotels and the second is from the Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts.

The teams are required to prepare two chocolate entremets, two plated desserts, a sugar sculpture and chocolate sculpture. they are judged based on taste, texture, appearance as well as the final buffet presentation.

The jury consisted of professionals from the pastry fraternity Sanjay Anand is the director at “Hammer Publications”, Chef Avijit Ghosh is a Master Pastry Chef with several years of experience in the pastry industry and Chef Nakul Kulkarni who is the founder chef and managing partner at T’ART were the esteemed jury for the competition

The organizers included the “Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts” in association with “Bakery Review” a pastry magazine.

APCA team emerged as winners

5, Sep 2023
Ferns N Petals’ Last Journey announces Unveiling Employee Welfare Program by 2023 end

Ferns N Petals' Last Journey announces Unveiling Employee Welfare Program by 2023 end

5th September 2023; India: Last Journey, a Delhi-based funeral service startup by the world’s largest gifting company Ferns N Petals announces to unveil its groundbreaking Employee Welfare Program designed to provide comprehensive funeral services to employees and their immediate families. The program signifies a distinct effort to transform the manner in which corporations approach employee benefits and support systems. Driven by the goal of cultivating greater empathy, this initiative aims to reshape norms, fostering a corporate culture that values compassion and well-being.

Founded in 2019, Last Journey is revolutionizing funeral care in India with its innovative approach. By offering a wide range of services and prioritizing compassion and support, Last Journey has become the largest funeral services provider in the country. As part of this initiative, Last Journey is actively engaging with major multinational corporations (with over 1000 employees) in both the private and public sectors, providing comprehensive support to their staff during challenging times. Recognizing the need for assistance during life’s most challenging moments, the program will offer a wide array of funeral services including funeral and cremation assistance, domestic and international repatriation, funeral prayer meeting arrangements, grief counseling, pet burials, and more.

‘The Last Journey Employee Welfare Program is a significant stride in prioritizing employee well-being, showcasing a corporate ethos that transcends the office and underscores empathy, support, and responsible conduct. Industries like manufacturing, steel, and construction are particularly more inclined to recognize and appreciate the value of our program.’ quotes Rishabh Jalan, Co-Founder, Last Journey.

Vikas Gutgutia, Founder & MD, Ferns N Petals and Co-Founder, Last Journey further adds, ‘Through this initiative, we aim to educate and alleviate the burdens associated with funeral arrangements at a larger level and provide a thoughtful, environmentally sensitive approach that brings solace to corporate families and respects the departed.’

Experiencing a remarkable journey, the start-up has achieved a consistent annual growth rate of 30%, propelled by the fusion of technology and an extensive, resilient vendor network. Presently, the Annual Revenue Rate (ARR) has surged beyond INR 20 crore. Envisioning the road ahead, Last Journey is on the brink of nationwide expansion, aiming to amplify the horizons of their service spectrum. Looking ahead, the company plans to establish rapid-response service centers across the country by 2025, while also expanding its presence to over 120 countries worldwide.

5, Sep 2023
Amazon miniTV to sweep off your feet this September with these alluring Hindi dubbed K-Dramas

Lucky Romance to Come and Hug Me: Amazon miniTV to sweep off your feet this September with these alluring Hindi dubbed K-Dramas

Mumbai, September 5, 2023: – Amazon miniTV is raising the stakes of entertainment and romance with its extensive roster of the month of September for Hindi Dubbed international shows under “miniTV Imported”. The streaming service dropped the intriguing promo, celebrating love with internationally acclaimed K-Dramas rooted in daedalian narrative, mushy romance, and gorgeous-looking cast. With emotions that soar as high as skyscrapers and story twists as shocking as a sudden downpour on a sunny day, these appealing K-Dramas have a riveting quality that traverses boundaries and countries. Amazon miniTV is certain to ignite global frenzy and passionate emotions with romantic Korean dramas including Tempted, Lucky Romance, 20th Century Boy and Girl, Come and Hug Me, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo from 06 September onwards.

From a coming-of-age unforgettable journey of friendship, love, and dreams to romantic melodrama and a tragic love story the streaming service has the most diverse set of loved-up shows in store to quench the thirst of romance aficionados. While Lucky Romance portrays the journey of a superstitious woman and practical CEO blooming into a passionate romance, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo is about a collegiate female weightlifter indulging in romance while pursuing her dreams. Tempted, Lucky Romance, 20th Century Boy, and Girl, Come and Hug Me, and Weightlifting Fairy are among the shows that will deliver the best enjoyment in September 2023. It’s time to fall in love with some intriguing love stories on Amazon miniTV.

Indulge in the experience of intriguing storylines, stellar performances, and international settings in a desi avatar with Amazon miniTV. The international shows are streaming in Hindi, exclusively on ‘Amazon miniTV Imported’ for free, and can download the Amazon miniTV on Playstore or watch within the Amazon Shopping App or on Fire TV.

5, Sep 2023
Mappls KOGO raises INR 9 Crores in latest round of funding from MapMyIndia, India’s largest digital maps company

Mappls KOGO raises INR 9 Crores in latest round of funding from MapMyIndia, India’s largest digital maps company

India, 5th September, 2023: Mappls KOGO, India’s only AI travel expert app, received a second round funding boost of INR 9 Crores infused by MapMyIndia (CE Infosystems Ltd.), a world leading provider of digital maps, geospatial software & location-based IoT technologies. Having previously raised INR 10 Crores from MapMyIndia, this investment reaffirms their trust and commitment to the potential of Mappls KOGO.

Mappls KOGO, an AI travel expert, was founded by Raj K. Gopalakrishnan and Praveer Kochhar, to help people plan their travel in minutes with expert recommendations generated by AI, and save money in the process. Mappls KOGO aims to revolutionize travel and hyper local experiences with the use of its proprietary AI technology, geospatial intelligence and real-time travel data. MapMyIndia’s pioneering expertise in maps will further amplify and enhance KOGO’s AI travel offering.

Raj K Gopalakrishnan, CEO and Co-founder of Mappls KOGO, remarks, “We thank MapMyIndia for their continued support. Their industry leadership will continue to strengthen the real-time locational intelligence of our data. This funding reaffirms MapmyIndia’s trust in our AI stack’s potential to disrupt the travel sector.”

By offering personalized and relevant travel recommendations that are bookable, Mappls Kogo’s AI stack is delivering a superlative experience that is one step ahead of generative AI. This revolutionary AI stack is backed up by a massive global travel ecosystem, encompassing flights, 1 million+ hotels, 300,000+ experiences, 20,000+ detailed itineraries and millions of kilometers of routes.

Praveer Kochhar, Co-founder and CTO of Mappls KOGO, said, “We have achieved a milestone that the travel tech industry has been aspiring for – the confluence of Geo-Intelligence, real-time data, Generative AI and a global travel ecosystem, that delivers personalized bookable recommendations. Mappls KOGO is designed to deliver on the promise of saving time and money while enhancing the pre, during, and post-travel experience.”

The app seamlessly auto-plans trips from any city in minutes through its AI itinerary maker, unearths hidden gems through thousands of meticulously curated AI Go-lists, and offers personalized assistance through its AI-powered chatbot named KOGONAUT.

Raj K Gopalakrishnan further adds, “The Crown jewel of the stack is the Kogonaut, our real-time data-aware personalized AI travel expert. Ask the Kogonaut any travel question, be it ideas for stepping out, cultural context, party places, or even where to feed pigeons; it really is the ultimate travel expert and assistant.”

KOGO’s commitment to revolutionize travel isn’t limited to the user’s experience alone. With the introduction of KOGO X membership, users gain access to its extensive travel ecosystem at the lowest member only prices. Praveer Kochhar, affirms, “As part of our brand promise to save time and save money for our users, I can unequivocally state that KOGO X Users get exclusive members only lowest possible prices in the industry on hotels, itineraries and activities.”

Having channelised the earlier funding rounds to construct a world-class AI technology stack, Mappls KOGO through its licensed B2B2C collaborations with renowned brands such as KTM, TVS, Jawa, and other OEMs has already garnered a user base of over 2 million+. The newly acquired funds will propel Kogo’s AI capabilities and data refinement to new horizons, enabling the app to scale its B2C business to solidify its promise as the ultimate AI travel expert.